Share your shopping experience - rates you can get , etc. (drug, premium)

[Proud2beAMom]

Okay.. so I wanted to have a thread where each can talk about their experience shopping on the exchange for insurance in their state/County.

Be nice .. please - I don't want any bashing of anything.. no angry hyperbole from either side. This isn't a thread about its merits or its bad points.

I simply want to see what kind of premiums people are getting on their exchanges.. what options they have that are available to them.

My experience:

Today I looked and compared the plans. Doing my homework I called the actual companies to find out what my drug coverage would be for the things I take - what it's considered (generic, preferred, etc) and how they view certain things I need for myself medically in order to balance which plan would be best for me.


I looked at Platinum level because I would need more comprehensive coverage with a pre-existing condition. If I didn't have a pre-existing condition I'm sure I'd elect for a lower premium with higher deductibles.

I live in PA

Geisinger Market place Solutions 1 Platinum Plan
$290.97/month for me (without tax credit or subsidies) (my son already has chip so I don't need it for him, but if I did it would be about $520 to cover us both - again without subsidies, etc)
My medication is tier 4 (non-preferred brand) so it's $50/month (which is typical for what I've had in the past and currently)
$30 specialist (my current doctor is in network)
$15 PCP for illness/injury - no cost for well visit

one of my scripts is not covered at all so I'd have to switch brands. But that isn't really too big a deal.

THat is PHENOMINAL..

For a family (you, spouse and kids) $815.44

Again.. PHENOMINAL. Way better than the previous individual markets.

So I've had a positive experience.

Highmark offers a platinum for a little over $300 with a $500 deductible. Haven't looked into what the prescriptions will cost me a month but primary and specialist are covered 90% after deductible.

I'm leaning toward the Geisinger.

Comparison to now:

I'm covered on PCIP plan (bridge plan till 2004) .. had to meet a deductible ( I believe it was $1500). Insulin out of pocket $100 for a 3 months supply (if ordered through mail order). Copay with specialst $30.. not sure about Primary care because I haven't had to see mine.

I did get a little screwed this past year because i had the state sponsored Pre existing plan at the beginning of the year and met that deductible, then they swithced me into the national and i had to meet deductibles twice this year (grrr).. but still grateful to have had insurance at all considering...



My fiance currently pays about $400/month for a plan with deductibles. So he will be making out better on the exchange as well (his insurance is one that will be cancelled on Jan 1st). Funny.. they tried to get him to "lock in this years rates for another year before prices go up when the exchange comes out" . They did this before the prices were revealed and the exchange opened. Cut off date was BEFORE the exchange opening date. If he did, he would be paying over $100 more AND have to meet deductibles again. So I'd say he's getting a better deal as well. (he was quite excited when I went over the details with him.. he'll probably get the same plan)

Please share your experience.... State, plans and costs, etc. and how it compares to what you have (if you have) now.

Please only respond if you are someone that has to shop on the individual market and aren't covered by your employer.

THanks for sharing (and being nice)..